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Spotlighting the wheel route to Mason


StatTiger

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Something that could make the offense more explosive is the utilization of the RB's in the passing game. Flare passes, screens and wheel routes are easy completions for Nick Marshall and it allows the RB's to make plays in space. Because the RB's have been the most consistent performers within the offense this season, why not use them more often in the passing game. Tre Mason has been targeted as a receiver 8 times through 5 games and he's made all 8 receptions. He is currently on pace for 21 receptions in a 13-game season.

OleMiss-Mason34pass_zpsbc78c3f8.jpg

On this play Gus Malzahn shows a run-heavy formation with 3 backs in the backfield with Nick Marshall and only 2 WR's. Ole Miss counters with 8 in the box and a lone safety playing high over the top. It's a tight formation, which opens up the flat for a pass.

At the snap Corey Grant slides across in front of Nick Marshall for the play-action, which draws the LB's and safety in run-support. At the same time, Tre Mason slips out of the backfield on a wheel-route down the boundary sideline.

The design of the play draws in the Ole Miss defense and leaves Mason uncovered on the sideline. Nick Marshall initially looks off his primary target (Mason) but comes back to make the pass to the boundary sideline. Mason hauls in the pass and stretches out the play for a 34-yard and Auburn first down.

This play later sets up a TD for the Auburn offense to give the Tigers a 27-9 lead. It's a safe play for the quarterback and allows the offense to remain creative, even in a conservative mode.

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Cam and Eric Smith ran that to perfection. Its great to see that play again.

yes they did. Fannin had a few good plays from the wheel route as well. This could be a huge gainer with a RB who has speed elusiveness in the open field. This could even be a big one for Grant as well. Fake the end around to him and a quick look to the opposite side will leave him wide open on the wheel behind the first level. If the safety cheats over enough, or gets sucked into to far on the PA, Grant/Mason have wide open field ahead of them.

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I was happy to see this play call. I've been on the Mason bandwagon all along, and really think this is the year he breaks out. The LSU game showed what he can do as the feature back, and if he can be productive as a receiver, he will truly be a complete weapon. It also, forces defenses to pay attention to him in coverage and open up some receivers in the passing game.

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If Nick can gain some touch, our RBs all have good enough hands to do damage coming out of the back field. I expect to see more and more of this as NM settles into his role.

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Cam and Eric Smith ran that to perfection. Its great to see that play again.

yes they did. Fannin had a few good plays from the wheel route as well. This could be a huge gainer with a RB who has speed elusiveness in the open field. This could even be a big one for Grant as well. Fake the end around to him and a quick look to the opposite side will leave him wide open on the wheel behind the first level. If the safety cheats over enough, or gets sucked into to far on the PA, Grant/Mason have wide open field ahead of them.

We also ran it with Omac in 2011.

I too, and glad to see this play return.

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